Diatoms: unique eukaryotic extremophiles providing insights into planetary change

J. P. Kociolek

doi:10.1117/12.731445

1 October 2007 Diatoms: unique eukaryotic extremophiles providing insights into planetary change

J. P. Kociolek

Proceedings Volume 6694, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology X; 66940S (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.731445
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The diatoms (Division Bacillariophyta) are aquatic, pigmented single-celled photosynthetic eukaryotes. They are a major component of the food chain in marine, estuarine and freshwater ecosystems. These diploid organisms have the ability to take dissolved silica out of the water column, and use it to create their cell walls. The taxonomy and classification system for the group is based to a large part on cell wall symmetry, as well as the number, type, position and organization of the many perforations in the glass. As a group, diatoms are found in almost every water type of water body around the globe, including a wide range of extreme environments. Individual species, however, have limited distributions and ecological requirements. Preservation of the glass cell walls in sedimentary basins has left nearly a 120 million year record. Species-related distributions, and well-preserved record make diatoms an excellent tool for environmental reconstruction and monitoring. New research on diatoms includes applications to conservation biology, astrobiology, nanotechnology, and biofuels.

Citation Download Citation

J. P. Kociolek "Diatoms: unique eukaryotic extremophiles providing insights into planetary change", Proc. SPIE 6694, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology X, 66940S (1 October 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.731445

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available